Nauru's constitutional convention not support public vote for
president

The Nauru Constitutional Convention has decided not to support a system that publicly elects a president.

Australian Broadcasting Corporation radio reported Monday that the constitutional convention is entering its fourth week.

The convention is debating issues such as improving controls on government spending and accountability, better governance and judicial standards and a change to the electoral system including the system of a president by popular vote.

However, Chairman of the Constitutional Change Committee Mathew Batsiua was quoted as saying the changes may still be taken to referendum.

"Despite the convention vote, the people of Nauru may still be asked to vote on the electoral change, with issues in the referendum to be decided by its parliament," he said.

The referendum is expected to be held in October.

The Pacific nation's president is currently elected by parliament to serve a 3-year term.